Office Newsletter: What Does “Prosperity” Mean?
The average price of a newly built condominium released in Tokyo’s 23 wards has reportedly reached ¥136.13 million (2025, according to the Real Estate Economic Institute), while the average price of a newly built detached house has climbed to ¥86.72 million (December 2025, according to Tokyo Kantei). Mortgage interest rates have also been rising. If even an average salaried worker, earning a regular income, can no longer afford to buy a home, younger generations may begin to lose hope for the future, further accelerating Japan’s declining birthrate and aging population.
Regardless of the merits or drawbacks of the proposed “sub-capital” concept, the issue of excessive concentration in Tokyo is becoming increasingly serious.
Meanwhile, here in Tokushima, Shikoku, the population continues to decline, and the number of vacant houses keeps growing. There are many pre-owned detached homes available for just a few million yen, and countless other vacant properties that have never even been placed on the market. While rural life is often perceived as inconvenient, if you can drive a car and access the internet, day-to-day living is not particularly difficult.
We have supermarkets, convenience stores, drugstores, home improvement centers, and discount stores. Through the internet and e-commerce, almost anything you need can be purchased. Visit one of the many local farmers’ markets, and you will find fresh, affordable vegetables displayed in abundance.
Today, with the widespread availability of cable television and streaming services, even living in an area beyond the reach of terrestrial TV broadcasts is no longer a significant inconvenience.
The sea, mountains, and rivers are all close at hand, making the area especially appealing for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Weekends can be rich and fulfilling.
If one can find a satisfactory balance between employment opportunities and educational needs, it may even be possible to enjoy a lifestyle that is richer than that offered in Tokyo.
Of course, what people value most in life differs from person to person, and the meaning of “prosperity” naturally varies accordingly. Yet it is worth reflecting on what true richness and fulfillment really mean in our lives.